Page 61 of Everything I Crave

“Why did you tell Johnny that I wouldn’t let you go tour around with them for gigs?”

She gulps loudly, swallowing to prepare before answering and she looks at me embarrassed.

“I wasn’t ready to sing outside the safety of The Bar, but I didn’t want to burn a bridge, or dredge up all my drama if they didn’t know about it. You were an easy out. And it made sense with me being the newest employee.”

I rub her back. “I’m sorry, you can use me as an out whenever you need to. Maybe just tell me next time so I don’t have to lie on the fly, it’s not a strong suit of mine.” I kiss her cheek.

“I’m so sorry, I should have told you, but it’s good to know you can’t lie.” She laughs. “I’ve been writing a lot though, and getting my confidence back. I kind of wanted to ask you if I’d be able to book a spot to sing on the patio? Just to test out my new songs?”

“Of course! I would love that and so would everyone in Lupine Valley. What better audience than the people who love you most?”

“Yea? While we’re at it, can I ask one more favor?” she asks timidly, which has me nervous because she is anything but timid.

“I want to get back on my social media with new content. I want to post more videos of my newer stuff. So I was hoping you’d let me post that one of us singing together?”

“You think it’ll help you?” I know nothing about social media, but if she needs it, it’s hers.

“I definitely think it will.” She winks.

“Then go ahead. Whatever you need to do.”

We settle into a comfortable silence, eating our food, and watching our show. After some time, Willow falls asleep on my lap. I lean back into the couch, enjoying the quiet happiness I feel with her.

And in this moment, it hits me that I’m not just falling for her, I've already fallen in with love her, and my life is far better with her in it.

Chapter Twenty-One

Willow

Today starts a glorious week off work.

Gunnar is going to help his brothers with some work at the inn and he decided to close The Bar. I’m going to go up in a few days, but I want to spend some time with my sisters and my Mom. I treated her like shit when I first moved home and I still owe her an apology, and probably a spa day.

I’m on my way to surprise her, and I hope she is home because this is truly a surprise. I didn’t even loop Scott in, which in hindsight, I guess I probably should have.

I pull into her driveway and I see Scott’s truck, so hopefully that means luck is on my side.

I park behind his truck, and walk up the walkway to the front door to knock. I stand on her front porch, wringing my hands. I know she will forgive me, but owning up to your shit with your mom is always hard. Especially when it’s because you treated the one person who loves you no matterwhat so awfully.

“Willow, what are you doing here?” she asks, genuinely happy to see me. She pulls me into a tight hug before I can answer her.

When she lets me go I answer, “I was hoping you didn’t have plans today?”

“I don’t as a matter of fact, is something wrong?” I suck in a breath. The only time I’ve come to Mom lately is when something is wrong. What a shitty daughter.

“No, Mom. I was just hoping maybe you’d want to come have a spa day with me? I booked mani/pedis and massages at the spa in the city.”

She claps her hands in front of her chest. “Oh, Willow! What a wonderful surprise! I would love to do that!” She practically skips into the living room.

I step into the foyer at the front door. I can hear her whispering to Scott in the living room.

“Willow invited me to a spa day in the city!” I can almost see the smile that is spread across her face as she talks.

“I’m so happy, sweetheart. I’m glad she’s taking the initiative to spend time with you.” Scott’s words hit me hard.

Ouch.That’s a reality check if I ever needed one. It hurts to hear the truth about your shitty behavior.

“Me too, are you sure you don’t mind if I go?”

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